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The White House recently announced the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Integration Pilot Program, permitting state and local governments to partner with private entities to conduct cutting edge work associated with extending the boundaries of UAS operations. However, time to take advantage of this opportunity is short.

State and local governments wishing to act as a lead applicant and oversee a project must submit a notice of intent no later than Tuesday, November 28, 2017. After the Notice of Intent to act as a lead applicant is filed, the full application package describing the proposal and the supporting data must be submitted no later than Thursday, January 4, 2018.

Similarly, organizations that would like to participate as an interested party, but do not meet the requirements to be a lead applicant, are encouraged to submit a notice by Wednesday, December 13, 2017.

According to Joe Morra of the UAS Integration Office, “this is a data driven project,” and its purpose is to support future rulemaking and the development of the UAS industry. As a result, the selection process will focus on how the proposals will support the development of cutting edge concepts of operation, and requires a high level of sophistication and experience in UAS operations by the team members. The number of projects that will be approved is limited, with the FAA committed to supporting five programs.

For those interested in taking the first steps, the following is a description of how to file your Notice of Intent with the FAA:

Lead Applicants

Entities interested in being a Lead Applicant (must be a state, local, or tribal government entity) must submit a Notice of Intent by 2 p.m. ET, November 28, 2017. Send an email to 9-AWA-UASIPP@faa.gov with subject line: "Declaration of Lead Applicant – (insert Lead Applicant Name)"

Format of Email Body:

Name of Lead Applicant:

Entity Type (State, Local, or Tribal Jurisdiction):

CAGE code or DUNS number:

State of Entity:

Email Address for all Partnership Pilot Program Communications:

Point of Contact Name (first and last name):

Point of Contact Phone Number:

Interested Parties

WEntities that wish to be listed on the FAA's contracting website (faaco.faa.gov) as an Interested Party must submit a request by 2 p.m. ET, December 13, 2017. Send an email to 9-AWA-UASIPP@faa.gov with subject line: "Interested Party List Request"

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